Business French expressions to boost your knowledge !
French has been gaining ground worldwide, being considered one of the most universally spoken languages. Also, in the commercial area the French language has more and more influence, highlighting the French for business in sectors such as: the fashion industry, the automotive sector and in general in all existing fields.
Are you thinking of moving to a French-speaking country or do you want to find a job there? You need to know these business expressions and phrases to be able to communicate better in the work environment:
Porter ses fruits (Bear fruits)
In whatever you undertake, you or your superiors will surely expect the work to bear fruit. With this French phrase you can communicate the success of your task.
♢ Votre stratégie a porté des fruits. (Your strategy has borne fruit.)
Mener une affaire rondement (to run a business very well, efficiently)
The expression “mener rondement” refers to something done efficiently, quickly, without mishap or waste of resources. Applied to business French, it is equivalent to a commendation of merit.
♢ L’employé a rondement mené la mission qui lui avait été confiée par ses supérieurs. (The employee successfully carried out the assignment given to him by his superiors).
Une affaire en or (a great deal, a bargain, a gold mine)
You can use this business French phrase to propose the deal of their dreams to a colleague or business partner. They will surely want to know more about it, and maybe it will be the opportunity of a lifetime for you.
♢ Il a conclu une affaire en or en signant ce contrat. (He got a great deal by signing this contract).
Presser comme un citron (to squeeze someone or something dry, to exploit someone)
It’s not about making lemonade; it’s about squeezing all the juice out of someone. A situation you must get used to when you’re just starting out in a company.
♢ Les créanciers ont pressé le pauvre homme comme un citron. (The creditors squeezed the poor man like a lemon).
Travailler à son compte (to be self-employed)
If you are ready to work as a freelancer, you should remember this phrase in French for business.
♢ Il a travaillé dans une entreprise pendant de nombreuses années, et a finalement décidé de commencer à travailler à son compte. (He worked in a company for many years and decided to start working on his own).
Commencer au bas de l’échelle (starting from scratch, from the bottom)
Unless it is a family business, it is usual to start at the bottom and work your way up. You will probably resort to this French business expression when you have job interviews.
♢Je suis prêt à commencer au bas de l’échelle. (I am ready to start at the bottom).
Trouver ses marques (to find/get one’s bearings; to find one’s footing).
No one is born knowing, and practice makes perfect. That’s the underlying idea in this business phrase.
♢ Au fur et à mesure que vous acquerrez de l’expérience, vous trouverez vos marques. (As you gain experience, you will find your feet.).
Marché conclu! (Deal done!)
If you’re lucky and good at closing deals, this is a phrase you’ll repeat often using French for business.
♢ Si vous acceptez nos conditions, c’est marché conclu ! (If you accept our conditions, it’s a done deal!).
Suer sang et eau (Sweat blood)
The economic situation affects all countries and makes it very difficult for companies with little capital to recover after quarantine. You should be prepared to hear this expression in business French.
♢ Les petites entreprises vont suer sang et eau pour rembourser leurs dettes et reprendre la production. (Small businesses will sweat blood to pay their debts and resume production).
Se vendre comme des petits pains (It sells like hot cakes)
This may become your favorite business French expression. If your product is successful and orders keep coming in, then you will remember these words.
♢ Ses derniers albums se sont vendus comme des petits pains. (His last albums sold like hot cakes).
Se faire un nom (To make a name for oneself)
If you persevere, your efforts will pay off, and you will be able to make a name for yourself in the company where you work or among your clients. Nothing more desirable in the business environment.
♢Il est prêt à tout pour se faire un nom. (He is ready to do anything to make a name for himself).
L’homme de la situation (The right person, the man for the job)
When it comes to business French, this is an expression you want to hear from your bosses. If you’re the right person for the job, you’ll get the job!
♢ Convaincre les managers que vous êtes l’homme de la situation. (Convince the managers that you are the right man for the job).
With these expressions you are already prepared for a business meeting in French. If you want to improve your vocabulary, learn each expression, repetition is a good way to help you memorize.
In addition to business expressions and phrases, take time to review essential French, greetings, politeness terms as well as the most common French expressions and words. If you need more practice to feel comfortable using these expressions, try having a friend or family member help you: for example, one of you could say the expression in English while the other provides the French translation.
